Imphal/New Delhi:

The water level in Nambul River in the heart of Manipur’s capital Imphal suddenly rose and breached the riverbank in many areas on May 30, after heavy rain brought by Cyclone Remal battered the state.

The valley areas had not completed rebuilding many homes damaged by a strong hailstorm in early May. The floods added to the hardships, with thousands of people displaced by the Meitei-Kuki ethnic clashes still living in relief camps.

While the army, Assam Rifles, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and its state counterpart SDRF, police, and minor irrigation and fire department personnel coordinated for rescue and relief work – drawing huge thanks from leaders and the public – two BJP MLAs also got their hands dirty in cleaning up the city, building embankments, and clearing rubbish from Nambul river.

In mobile videos taken by residents involved in relief work, Manipur’s Public Health Engineering Minister Leishangthem Susindro was seen driving a huge bulldozer towards the Nambul riverbank.

There, he spoke with another BJP MLA, Rajkumar Imo Singh, before swinging the long, metal arm of the bulldozer and scooping out rubbish from the river. These had blocked the water flow, and worsened the flood.

Mr Susindro wore heavy-duty rubber boots to drive the excavator on tracks – a size, or two bigger than the common yellow bulldozer.

Mr Singh, too, in t-shirt, shorts and rubber slippers was seen walking on a bridge with locals to see how to clear the water flow. “This removal of all the wastes from the Nambul River will ensure smooth flow and less flooding near the surroundings of Sagolband and Uripok,” he said in a post on X.

Floodwater has receded from many areas in the valley now. The weather office had forecast no rain from June 2. Though some states in the northeast are likely to see light rain.

In the past four days, five districts – Imphal East, Imphal West, Kangpokpi, Senapati, and Jiribam – were badly affected, with landslides in many areas. Flood water had also collected in some areas of Churachandpur, with residents coordinating to help out those in need. Major roads, including the Imphal-Silchar National Highway, were also flooded and blocked by landslides.

New Delhi:

Six rivers in Assam and Manipur, including Brahmaputra, and Barak, are experiencing severe flooding, putting numerous districts in the region at risk, the Central Water Commission has said. The Brahmaputra river at Neamatighat in Assam’s Jorhat district is flowing at 85.25 metres, which is 0.29 metres above its danger level of 85.54 metres, while the Barak river is in a severe situation.

In the Imphal East district of Manipur, the Barak River at Chotabekra is at 30.15 metres, 3.95 metres above its danger level. This significant rise poses a severe threat to the surrounding communities, according to the CWC data.

In Assam, the Barak River continues to impact various districts. At Badarpur Ghat in Karimganj district, the river is at 18.13 metres, 1.28 metres above the danger level while at Annapurna Ghat in Cachar district, it is at 21.52 metres, 1.69 metres above the danger level.

At Fulertal in Cachar district, the water level is at 25.94 metres, 2.06 metres above the danger level, showing a steady trend. At Dholai in Cachar district, it is at 24.9 metres, 0.32 metres above the danger level, with a falling trend.

The Kopili River at Kampur in Nagaon district is also in a severe situation, flowing at 62.08 metres, the Commission said, adding this level is 1.58 metres above the danger mark of 60.5 metres.

Although the trend is steady, the high water level remains a concern for the local population.

In Karimganj district, the Kushiyara river is at 16.5 metres, which is 1.56 metres above its danger level. The river’s steady trend indicates that immediate action is required to mitigate potential flood damage, the Commission said.

The Katakhal river at Matijuri is flowing at 22.23 metres, 1.96 metres above its danger level, while the Dhaleswari river at Gharmura is at 28.18 metres, 0.13 metres above its danger level. Though the water levels are currently falling, both rivers remain in a severe situation, necessitating vigilance, the Commission said.

Over two lakh people have been affected by the flood situation in nine districts of Assam following incessant rainfall in the aftermath of cyclone Remal, officials said.

Altogether, six people have died in the flood, rain and storms in the state since May 28, they said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Imphal:

Heavy rain triggered by Cyclone Remal has caused flooding across multiple districts in Manipur, prompting the state government to carry out rescue and relief operations, an official said. Due to severe flooding caused by breaches in embankments along riverbanks, the state government on Thursday declared a two-day public holiday till tomorrow. People have been asked to stay indoors unless faced with an emergency, the government said in a statement.

Departments responsible for rescue, relief, and essential services will continue to operate, it said.

Rescue operations continued in worst-hit areas of Imphal East and Imphal West districts.

The Indian Army in a statement said its engineers swiftly conducted reconnaissance along the affected stretch of the Imphal River. “… Three major breaches were identified out of which two have been successfully plugged last night. Work is currently underway to plug the third breach, i.e., approximately 22-25 metre wide, at Kontha Khabam in Imphal East district,” the army said. “The army remains dedicated to mitigating the impact of the flooding and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents,” it said.

BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh posted visuals of a bulldozer removing debris from a Nambul river. “This removal of all the wastes from the Nambul River will ensure smooth flow and less flooding near the surroundings of Sagolband and Uripok,” he said in the post on X. Other MLAs also helped the public in clearing debris from flooded roads.

Meino Leirak ki thong/bridge tah chentharakpa phataba mayaam, kung, plastic bottle, box, bamboo loina pandana leiraga Nambul Turel gi ishing doh phajana chenba ngamdaba mayaamdo ngasi sengthokye. Minister Sushindro (Yaima)
masaana Excavator/Poclain thouraga, officials, akoibada… pic.twitter.com/xHhSD58s8E

— Rajkumar Imo Singh (Modi Ka Parivaar) (@imosingh) May 30, 2024

The Assam Rifles rescued several stranded people in Imphal valley. “In the face of adversity, the Assam Rifles presence brings reassurance and relief to the people of Manipur. Their support during challenging times underscores their role as protectors and friends of the community,” the Assam Rifles said in a post on X.

In the face of adversity, the #AssamRifles presence brings reassurance and relief to the people of #Manipur. Their support during challenging times underscores their role as protectors and friends of the community.#Jalrahat#Cycloneremal@adgpi@HMOIndia@PIBHomeAffairs… pic.twitter.com/FBof192LG4

— The Assam Rifles (@official_dgar) May 30, 2024

Fishermen from Thanga in Bishnupur district are helping the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) in evacuating flood-hit people using traditional canoes, with similar efforts going on in other locations including Laipham Khunou and Khuman Lampak.

Extensive flooding has affected agricultural areas in Bishnupur district’s Nambol due to breaches in riverbanks. Many teens were seen coordinating the rescue efforts in Imphal valley.

“Fishermen of Thanga are joining hands with the LDA team in rescuing stranded people. I appreciate their noble gesture at this hour,” Chief Minister N Biren Singh said in a post on X.

Fishermen of Thanga are joining hands with the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) team in rescuing the ones stranded by the flood.

The fishermen are evacuating flood affected people from various locations across the state in full swing at present, and I am highly appreciative… pic.twitter.com/wz6y4ke7ec

— N.Biren Singh (Modi Ka Parivar) (@NBirenSingh) May 30, 2024

The Chief Minister said he met ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, security officials and all department officials to review the flood situation, and assessed the ongoing measures to provide aid to affected families.

“Out of the 18 spots where the breach occurred in the embankments of rivers, 17 were sealed and the flooding in the surrounding areas have been successfully brought under control. The efforts to seal the remaining breach and the work to reinforce the embankments are underway,” Mr Singh said.

Two tributaries of Nambul river meet in Nambol. The strong currents breached the riverbank on Wednesday, flooding several hectares of agricultural land, officials said.

#SpearCorps, #IndianArmy and #AssamRifles relentlessly continued their rescue and relief operations for the second day in #Manipur and #Mizoram and safely rescued over 4000 individuals including 2000 women and children.#IndianArmy & #AssamRifles also established medical camps,… pic.twitter.com/OF08kFCGYV

— SpearCorps.IndianArmy (@Spearcorps) May 30, 2024

Forty personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with six additional motorboats reached Imphal airport on Wednesday night to lead the rescue operations.

#FWR#RescueOps
Flash #flood caused by heavy rains at #Imphal East, #Manipur@12bnndrf along with local agencies rescued113 females, 87 males, 07 infants and 5 livestock from the flooded houses, Ops still going on.@NDRFHQ@PIBImphal@DDKIMPHALRNU@NBirenSinghpic.twitter.com/9NBk9Lvjtz

— 12 NDRF Itanagar (@12bnndrf) May 30, 2024

Commercial activities at Khwairamband, Paona, and Thangal markets also remained shut for a second day due to widespread flooding caused by overflowing of Nambul river and breach of embankments of Imphal river.

Rescue efforts of Manipur Police, Army, AR, NDRF and SDRF are being carried out in flood affected areas of the State round the clock. Efforts are still continuing. pic.twitter.com/MMPtgRwqj1

— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) May 30, 2024

“Many items including seasonal vegetables stored at the market godown have been damaged,” a woman vendor said.

In Tamenglong district, heavy rain triggered a landslide and damaged portions of National Highway-37 Imphal-Silchar route. Additionally, the Nambul river breached its banks at Samurou in Imphal West district, leading to flooding in Wangoi constituency.

With inputs from PTI

Imphal/Guwahati/New Delhi:

When fishermen in Manipur’s Thanga island village in the northeast’s largest freshwater lake Loktak heard about flooding in the valley areas, they quickly hauled out their row boats from the lake and loaded them on the back of a truck.

An Imphal resident told NDTV on phone the Thanga fishermen sent the boats for use by stranded residents of the flooded city, following heavy rain. Many rivers in the valley are overflowing. On a normal day, residents would have found it an odd sight to see boats being sent towards dry land in the state capital, but that was not the case today.

Local reports said there could be casualties in the flood, but officials have not confirmed the deaths. There was at least one death due to electrocution as flood water reached homes, reports said.

Rescue efforts of Manipur Police, Army, AR, NDRF and SDRF are being carried out in flood affected areas of the State round the clock. Efforts are still continuing. pic.twitter.com/18DrrxEK7V

— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) May 29, 2024

Officials said five districts – Imphal East, Imphal West, Kangpokpi, Senapati, and Jiribam – were badly affected, with landslides in many areas. Flood water collected in some areas of Churachandpur, with residents coordinating to help out those in need, officials said. Major roads, including the Imphal-Silchar National Highway, were also flooded and blocked by landslides.

Kangpokpi district headquarters was disconnected from nearby areas after strong currents damaged a key bridge. Flash floods hit the district headquarters on Tuesday as Cyclone Remal swept through the town, flooding many areas, mainly in the low-lying portions. One block of the district hospital comprising a laboratory, examination room, restroom, kitchen, and the emergency room was flooded. The hospital authorities had to stop services for a day.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and its state counterpart, Indian Army, Assam Rifles, police, and other state emergency services have been coordinating rescue operations.

#FWR#RescueOps
Flash flood caused by heavy rains at village Maibakhul, Imphal East, Manipur
@12bnndrf along with local agencies rescued 46 females, 40 males 2 infants and 4 livestocks from the flooded houses
Ops continues@HMOIndia@BhallaAjay26@PIBHomeAffairs@PIBImphalpic.twitter.com/WLDU5veOTA

— NDRF (@NDRFHQ) May 29, 2024

Visuals show babies being evacuated from a hospital on floating vessels, as a queue of people submerged in neck-deep floodwater gently pushed the vessels towards dry land.

The Assam Rifles in a post on X said humanitarian assistance and disaster relief flood relief columns launched rescue and relief operation ‘Jaltarang’ in flood-affected areas across Imphal city.

“… Relief efforts being required at multiple locations simultaneously, the civil administration requested Indian Army and Assam Rifles for providing columns for carrying out rescue and relief operations on night of May 28… Indian Army and Assam Rifles mobilised multiple flood relief columns within an hour and carried out rescue and relief operations in Imphal city, and Khuman Lampak in Imphal East district. Over 350 people have been rescued in the ongoing relief operations,” an Assam Rifles spokesperson said in a statement.

ASSAM RIFLES EXECUTES FLOOD RESCUE OPERATION IN MANIPUR#AssamRifles Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief flood relief columns launched rescue and relief operation #Jaltarang in the flood affected areas across Imphal city in #Manipur, providing succour to the distraught… pic.twitter.com/UNBKwUlfu6

— The Assam Rifles (@official_dgar) May 29, 2024

In neighbouring Mizoram, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) through the office of district collector in Aizawl requested the army to provide medical support in Melthum, where the region has been severely affected by landslides triggered by heavy rain from Cyclone Remal. The number of dead in landslides in Mizoram rose to 29, news agency PTI reported on Wednesday.

Manipur BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh in a post on X appealed to people “to overcome this together by helping each other”. “Today’s flood must have been the worst in the last 25-30 years. In my 12 years as a legislator, I haven’t seen this kind of flooding within the Greater Imphal areas… Let’s stay vigilant and stay safe and contact me or my office for any emergency,” Mr Singh said.

Today’s flood must have been the worst in the last 25-30 years. In my 12 years as a Legislator, I haven’t seen this kind of flooding within the Greater Imphal areas. No doubt the presence of the retaining walls prevented the Nambul River from being totally breached which would… pic.twitter.com/yiPCDVt1OS

— Rajkumar Imo Singh (Modi Ka Parivaar) (@imosingh) May 29, 2024

The floods have added more hardships to the border state that is yet to recover from ethnic tensions with nearly 50,000, including children and the elderly, still living in relief camps.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh thanked the NDRF, army and the Assam Rifles for their help. “… I urge all to extend cooperation to the rescue teams as they perform their duties to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said in a post on X. He offered condolences to the families of people killed in Mizoram due to the cyclone. “… My sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the incident and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured…” the Chief Minister said.

I appreciate the teams of the NDRF, Indian Army & Assam Rifles for supporting the local authorities in carrying out the rescue operations & saving precious lives at various flood areas of the state.

As many as 40 personnel of the NDRF and 6 additional motorboats have also… pic.twitter.com/nvoaCT7qmv

— N.Biren Singh (Modi Ka Parivar) (@NBirenSingh) May 29, 2024

More NDRF personnel landed in Imphal airport tonight to join the rescue operations. Earlier today, the NDRF said its ’12 Battalion’ along with local agencies rescued 88 people including two infants from flooded homes.

The European Union (EU) today announced an aid package worth over Rs 2.26 crore to help people hit by hailstorm and heavy rain in the state in early May. The EU said the aid will be delivered by its humanitarian partner ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency), and it will benefit more than 1,500 most vulnerable families.